Exploring imitative learning in a blended EFL writing class

Abstract

Abstract Since 2020, I have been teaching writing to college English major students. I have adopted an imitative learning approach, engaging my students in a transformative imitation of model texts both offline in the classroom and online using various internet tools. Imitative learning means students learn to write by modelling texts written by expert writers or more capable peers and by consciously understanding the communicative goal and strategies employed in the model text. This imitative learning approach, which enables scaffolding, is effective in providing students with model texts to learn from, and can be followed by guided and independent construction of their own texts.